Deer Stalking

Heading for the Scottish Hills is an online service set up by Scottish Natural Heritage to give information about deer stalking activities across Scotland.

From July to October is stag stalking season in the Scottish highlands. Incase you didn't know stalking is when groups of people look for and kill deer (legally) using high powered rifles. Deer stalking is technically hunting specifically for deer and is known by our friends across the Atlantic as Deer Hunting.

Most stalking is from August and the hind stalking season continues through to February. So, If you're planning a walk in the Scottish hills between July and October check out the Heading for the Scottish Hills service. If your hill isn't covered or you haven't been able to find out stalking information as long as you stick to main hill routes and prominent ridges you should be fine.

Please note: 'Heading for the Scottish Hills' only operates during the stag stalking season.

Grouse Shooting and General Bird Shooting

From August to December is Grouse Shooting season throughout the UK. This means that on your hike you are more likely to see people shooting birds (mainly Grouse and Pheasants). Grouse shooting shouldn't effect your hike as much as deer stalking because the people shooting should wait for you to pass before commencing.

However, if they are already shooting it is a good idea to wait for them to finish. Also, it is worth knowing that open access land may be closed for mass shootings. Visit your local tourist information or mountain rescue outpost before your hike as they should be able to tell you if any land is set to be closed due to grouse shooting (or any other reason for that matter).